BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the people of Bangladesh have begun moving forward on the path of democracy, marking the end of what he described as a period of fear and repression.
“The days and nights of terror have come to an end. The people of Bangladesh have started walking the path of democracy,” he said while addressing a dialogue at the China Friendship International Conference Centre in the capital on Saturday (January 17).
The meeting was organised by BNP Family and Mayer Dak with families of victims of enforced disappearances, killings and repression during past political movements.
Expressing deep sympathy for the victims’ families, Tarique Rahman said there were no words adequate enough to console those who had lost loved ones. “Those who lost their sons, husbands, fathers or other family members—there is truly no language that can fully express our condolences,” he said.
Referring to the prolonged anti-fascist movement, he said the struggle went through many phases—sometimes intense, sometimes subdued—but despite years of enforced disappearances, killings and harassment through false cases, BNP leaders and activists never abandoned the streets.
“In many cases, one brother was disappeared, and another brother stepped forward to intensify the movement with renewed determination,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said he firmly believed that no amount of propaganda could suppress a party whose leaders and activists take an uncompromising stand against injustice. “God willing, the sacrifices we see before us today will not go in vain,” he added.
Paying tribute to those who were killed or disappeared during the movement, he said the aspiration for a democratic state was deeply rooted in their sacrifices. “The future democratic state and government will have immense responsibility. The state can never forget you,” he said, addressing the families present at the event.
He said BNP had taken several plans to preserve the memory of the martyrs and their sacrifices for future generations. However, citing legal obligations related to the Election Commission, he said he was unable to disclose details at this moment.
Tarique Rahman also expressed concern over what he termed recent controversial roles and positions taken by the Election Commission, but said BNP, as a responsible political party, would continue to exercise patience.
Emphasising the need for state support for families affected by state violence, he said Bangladesh now had an opportunity to build a humane and accountable state for people who cherish freedom and democracy.
He warned that certain quarters were attempting to create confusion and controversy to obstruct the democratic path that has emerged. “I urge everyone, regardless of party affiliation, who believes in democracy to remain alert so that these attempts cannot succeed,” he said.
The BNP leader stressed that establishing a democratic government was essential to ensuring justice in the country. “The only way to restore the rights and dignity of the oppressed is to form a government that truly reflects the aspirations of the people,” he said.
Senior BNP leaders present at the event included Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Tahsina Rushdi Luna—the wife of missing BNP leader Ilias Ali—Hummam Quader Chowdhury, and Atikur Rahman Rumon, convener of BNP Family, among others.
